King Quang Trung’s Enduring Legacy: Policies and Reforms

“Fire tests gold, adversity tests strength.” This saying aptly describes King Quang Trung, the brilliant and illustrious emperor who led the Tay Son movement to overthrow corrupt feudal regimes, unify the country, and repel foreign invaders. Beyond his military prowess, King Quang Trung was a talented politician with a far-sighted vision, laying the foundation for an independent and prosperous nation. What were King Quang Trung’s policies? Let’s delve into history and explore his significant contributions to nation-building.

Political and Administrative Reforms: A Solid Foundation

Recognizing the need for a unified state after a period of division, King Quang Trung took bold steps in building a strong political system.

Establishing a Centralized Government

Departing from the loose division of power during the Le-Trinh era, King Quang Trung established a court with the king at its head, assisted by civil and military officials. Power was centralized in the hands of the king, facilitating swift and effective policy implementation.

Reforming Local Administration

King Quang Trung abolished the Le Dynasty’s division of the country into “lộ” and replaced it with the familiar administrative units of Bac Ha (North) and Dang Trong (South). He divided the country into two regions:

• Bac Ha: comprised 11 “trấn” (provinces).
• Gia Dinh: comprised 5 “dinh” (districts).

Each region had civil and military officials directly appointed by the court, strengthening central control. This division demonstrated King Quang Trung’s understanding of regional geography and culture, facilitating effective governance.

Establishing Diplomatic Relations

King Quang Trung advocated for peaceful relations with neighboring countries, particularly China. He proactively established diplomatic ties, gaining recognition as king from the Qing Dynasty, creating a peaceful environment for national development.

Economic and Social Policies: Towards Prosperity

More than a military leader, King Quang Trung was also a skilled economist. He understood that a strong economy and a prosperous populace were essential for national prosperity.

Agricultural Development

With the country ravaged by war, King Quang Trung prioritized restoring and developing agriculture, the dominant economic sector at the time. He implemented policies encouraging farmers to return to their villages, cultivate abandoned land, and provided them with farming tools and seeds.

Policies like the model policy were introduced, promoting new farming techniques and the construction of irrigation systems to increase crop yields. As a result, agriculture quickly recovered, and people’s lives improved.

Promoting Commerce

King Quang Trung advocated for “free domestic trade and free foreign trade,” fostering a favorable environment for commercial activities. He established markets and trading posts, encouraging expanded trade relations with neighboring countries. Consequently, the commodity economy experienced significant growth.

Culture and Education: Building a New Generation

For King Quang Trung, people were the foundation of development. Therefore, he placed great emphasis on cultural and educational development.

Restoring National Culture

King Quang Trung promoted the restoration and development of national culture based on inheriting valuable traditions. He encouraged literary and artistic creation and advocated for the use of Chu Nom (Vietnamese script) in official documents, contributing to the preservation and development of national cultural identity.

Developing Education

King Quang Trung established numerous schools and recruited talented individuals nationwide. He emphasized teaching Chu Nom and encouraged the study of science and technology, laying the foundation for future educational development.

Stories of King Quang Trung

The story of King Quang Trung’s lightning-fast march north to defeat the Qing army remains legendary. It is said that on New Year’s Eve, the Tay Son army continued its relentless march under torchlight.

To boost morale, King Quang Trung ordered a halt by the riverbank in the dead of night and declared, “Soldiers, listen carefully! After three drumbeats, anyone not present in Thang Long will be executed!” The resounding drums echoed through the mountains and forests, showcasing the Tay Son army’s formidable spirit and terrifying the Qing forces.

King Quang Trung’s determination, leadership, and unwavering will led to a resounding victory, placing him among Vietnam’s national heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions about King Quang Trung

How long did King Quang Trung reign?

King Quang Trung reigned from 1788 to 1792, a total of four years. Despite his short reign, he left an indelible mark on Vietnamese history.

Why is King Quang Trung considered a patriotic king?

King Quang Trung is considered a patriotic king because he led the people in repelling foreign invaders, unifying the country, building a strong nation, and laying the foundation for the nation’s long-term development.

What were King Quang Trung’s contributions to education?

King Quang Trung was deeply committed to education. He established schools, issued the Educational Decree, and encouraged talented individuals. He advocated for the use of Chu Nom in administration, contributing to the preservation and development of national culture.

Conclusion

Despite his brief reign, King Quang Trung’s exceptional leadership and visionary thinking left an enduring legacy on Vietnamese history. He was not only a national liberator but also a brilliant political and military leader who laid the foundation for an independent and strong Vietnam.

Want to learn more about Vietnamese history? Check out this article on Policy for One-Time Benefit Recipients.

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